3 signs the "Trump effect" is a real thing happening in Europe right now

Republican President-elect Donald Trump's surprise victory in November stunned many political pundits. It has also given rise to the idea that a right-wing populist movement is growing in the United States — and elsewhere.

Trump's win has bolstered conservative populism in Europe, causing some to wonder just how far this "Trump effect" will go?

The Brexit vote

The United Kingdom held a referendum in June that asked voters whether they supported remaining in the European Union or preferred to leave the continental economic collective of nations. The citizens, in very a close election where the margin was less than 4%, chose to leave the EU, a result that surprised a great deal of prognosticators.

Geert Wilders of the Netherlands is another name worth following. Vehemently opposed to immigration, Wilders espouses far-right views on Islam as well, frequently comparing the Quran to Mein Kampf. Wilders is the leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom, and is seen as a favorite to become the next prime minister of the Netherlands in 2017. If successful, Wilders has promised to ban the Quran and close down all mosques in his nation's borders.

But not every rising star on the right in Europe is seeing success. Austrian Norbert Hofer lost a bid to become his nation's president this week. Alexander Van der Bellen, a left-of-center candidate, defeated Hofer by roughly 53% to 47%.